Even in the deep freeze of February the promise of spring is never far. Yes, the snow banks are close to obscuring my kitchen window, and I might have a touch of cabin fever, but I could swear I saw a robin on my back porch. For those of us who aren’t snowbirds, Bridgton’s four-season beauty is a big part of its charm. Hope you are warm and cozy under your icicled eaves, and if you do want to venture out this week, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Hearts and flowers

Hopefully you don’t need a commercial reminder to show your love for friends and family, but if you do that’s what Valentine’s Day is for. Whether you’re young or old, it never hurts to spread the love a little, and showing you care with homemade art means the most.

Gallery 302 is hosting a “Make Your Own Valentines” workshop presented by the Bridgton Art Guild on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 1-3 p.m. All ages are welcome to create original valentines for friends and family. All art materials will be provided by the Bridgton Art Guild and there is no charge for the workshop. If your creative juices aren’t flowing there will be local art teachers there to help if you need some guidance.

Gallery 302 is located at 112 Main St. in Bridgton. Winter gallery hours are 12-4 p.m. daily. For more information, call 647-2787.

Tubular, Dude

When life gives you snow…go snowtubing! The Bridgton and Harrison rec departments are partnering for a fun day at the Oxford Plains slopes. For $16 you get transportation and three hours of snowtubing. Supervision is provided, but kids under 7 must wear a helmet and bring a parent or guardian. The trip runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and registration forms are at the Town Office. The deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb. 18. For more information, call Bridgton Rec at 647-8786.

Business brainstorm

If you are a local business owner looking to network and share ideas, here’s a great opportunity. The Bridgton/Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce is holding a business roundtable at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 8 to 9 a.m.

Steve Veazey, an Oxford Hills SCORE counselor, and Greg Gould of AVCOG are hosts of this unique event, where there are no presentations or speakers and the participants select the topic at the start of the meeting. This informal session is designed for peers to share best practices and experiences with each other; topics discussed might include effective marketing, pricing in a down economy and time management.

There is no charge to attend the event, and there will be a free continental breakfast at 7:45. Pre-registration is required. Sign up by calling the chamber at 647-3472.

Frigid Frosty

If you’ve driven over the Moose Pond causeway this month you’ve surely seen Frosty standing sentinel on the inlet, where Steve Collins reports the ice is almost 10 inches thick. The snowman will remain there until the ice melts, and if you guess the day you can win money and support our awesome Community Center.

The 4th annual Ice Out contest is in full swing, and the 50/50 tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10, and are being sold at the Bridgton Community Center, Black Horse Tavern, Trailside, Linda’s Salon and the Magic Lantern Movie Theater.

Last year’s mid-March ‘’Ice Out” was not only the earliest ever, but the only one to ever come in while it was officially still winter. I doubt that’s going to happen in this deep-freeze winter were in now, but Mother Nature is full of surprises. So make your best guess, buy your tickets and support the BCC.

Wax on, wax off

The Bridgton Rec Department holds year-round sports programs for youth and adults, including ice skating, hockey, basketball, soccer and swimming. One of the newer course offerings is Adult Martial Arts, which improves your strength, balance and flexibility and increases mental focus.

Instructor Justin Kashuba leads the classes at the North High Street Town Hall on Mondays from 6:30-8 p.m. He is offering the first month’s classes free, so here’s your chance to embrace your inner Mr. Miyake. For more information, contact Justin at Justinkashuba@rocketmail.com.

The tax man cometh

It’s almost tax time, and if you are low-income and need help filing your tax return help is here. The Community Center is continuing its annual collaboration with local retired accountants to offer free income-tax preparation.You must make an appointment by calling the BCC at 647-3116, and they will handle the rest. Just bring your 2010 tax forms and ID and let the CPAs handle the math.

Babysitting course

Growing up in the suburbs of Nashville, I spent many summers babysitting. Even by 1980s standards, there was plenty of money to be made, particularly if you were available on short notice and did not get caught having friends over. In hindsight I probably was not the best or most attentive babysitter out there, but I never took the Red Cross Training Course, either.

The Bridgton Community Center will be offering the course on Feb. 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The class is geared toward 11- to 14-year-olds, and will teach them information on Safe and Responsible Babysitting, Basic Care and Basic First Aid.

The class fee will be $55, which covers the cost of the book and instruction. To register for this class, or for more information, please contact the BCC at 647-3116. Attendees will receive a certificate at the end of the course, which could increase the wage you charge to babysit, making the class fee well worth the money.

The fourth annual Ice Out contest is officially under way now that the Bridgton Community Center’s snowman is on the ice at Moose Pond. Pictured with Frosty on Saturday, Jan. 29, are Shane Keenan, Brett Smith, Jacob Grills, Parrish Rogers-Reed, Bridgton Academy Headmaster Grady Vigneau, BCC directors Mike Tarantino and Merry Vigue, and Ice Out designer Fred Hammerle. (Courtesy photo)